I have had our two boxers on the boat with no issues. Someone once posted some dog nail protectors that were made more for hardwood floors, but would still work for the vinyl. Someone will come along with the website soon....

I have repaired every nick and scratch on my show room condition 2006 PS197 and before I procured a lab last year the carpet was immaculate; however, I love having my dog, hair and toenails be damned, on my boat. No punctures to the vinyl yet. She scratches the teak platform somewhat but it sands out nicely. I try to keep her toenails trimmed. I just got a Dremmel for that purpose. The hair shedding is a pain, but it's just hair. She loves watching me ski from the observer's seat. I suggest a Ruffwear life jacket. Check out my recent post on Mans Best Friend thread for a photo of her jumping off my boat. Go for it!

VP46 - are you an Orion guy? My brother flew P-3s with '46 out of Moffatt for years till they shipped him to Pax River.

Anyway, my German Shepherd had better boating manners than any other member of the family - he used to go lay on the back seat even when the boat was tied to the dock. Now I have 2 dachshunds that love riding in the boat. The way I look at it, they are members of the family and we love having them with us. They make much less of a mess than small kids...